Affirmed First Name

Student policy and "how to" instructions on the use of an affirmed first name

Affirmed Name Use

In our ongoing commitment to respect and inclusivity at SMC, we recognize the importance of addressing one another with care, particularly when it comes to affirmed names and personal pronouns (e.g., she/her; he/him; they/them, or any combination). Santa Monica College recognizes and provides a mechanism by which any current student may use an affirmed first name and a chosen pronoun on campus. Students may use an affirmed first name, regardless of whether they have legally changed their name.

All members of the SMC community, including faculty, staff and fellow students, should refer to one another by an affirmed name and personal pronouns. SMC personnel should use students' affirmed names and pronouns in their daily interactions with students, when the student requests it verbally or formally records their preference on their student portal and the name is integrated into our student information system. Students, please let faculty know about any corrections needed on the class roster regarding your name or pronouns.

Together, we create a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Implementation

The affirmed name has been integrated in Corsair Connect, Canvas, and class rosters available to faculty. Systems used by College staff in their interactions and communications with students will integrate the affirmed name as these systems are updated. The student's legal first name will continue to be used where required by law, industry standard, or strong business need. This includes student employment, financial aid, admission, refunds and disbursements, transcripts, etc. Effective with Spring 2020 graduates, students will have the option to request their diplomas be issued with their affirmed name.

We trust students to choose an affirmed name after careful consideration, with good intentions, and with best interests in mind. We do not anticipate having to deny a name change request or remove an affirmed name. However, SMC reserves the right to reject inappropriate name use, including but not limited to when used for misrepresentation or to avoid a legal obligation.

Student - Affirmed Name Pronoun Guide

Faculty - Affirmed Name Pronoun Guide

Staff - Affirmed Name Pronoun Guide

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How do I set my Affirmed first name?

Login to Corsair Connect
Click the "View/Edit Profile" (left side navigation menu)
Enter your Affirmed first name and indicate if the Affirmed first name should be displayed on Canvas and on instructor rosters (yes/no).
[If yes, your current instructors will be notified by email that the name change took place]
Indicate if your Affirmed name should be printed on any SMC diploma (after you graduate)
Click on "Submit Changes"
Allow 24-72 hours for our systems to update.

How do I set my affirmed pronouns?

Pronouns are available for use only in the Canvas platform. To add yours:

Login to Canvas
Click on "Account"
Click on "User Settings" and then on "Edit Settings"
Select from the list of pronouns
Click "Update Settings"

What is a Affirmed first name?

Can I change the affirmed name I recorded?

Where will my Affirmed first name appear on College records and/or systems used throughout campus?

Your Affirmed name will appear on:

Corsair Connect
Canvas
Class rosters used by faculty
Some administrative systems that student services programs use (this will happen over time)

Will my instructors be told about my use of a Affirmed name?

It depends on your choice. If you indicated that you would like to use a Affirmed first name on Canvas and class rosters, then all your current instructors will be notified by email just as soon as you make the request on Corsair Connect. This will be done to ensure that instructors can "match" you to the new name that appears on their rosters.

If you did not indicate that your Affirmed first name be used in Canvas and class rosters, then the instructors will not be notified and your legal first name will continue to be used.

Where does my legal name appear on College records and/or systems used throughout campus?

Your legal name will appear on things such as:

Transcripts
Tax forms used in student employment such as I-9, W-4, M-4, etc.
Tax forms issued by the college such as W-2, 1098-T, 1095-C, etc.
Any checks issued to you by the College
Any other place where we are compelled to do so by law
In administrative systems that student services programs use
SMC email address and network ID
SMC student ID card

How will my Affirmed first name display on class rosters?

Your Affirmed first name will be shown in place of your legal first name. Once you opt to use the Affirmed name, it will replace your legal name. To illustrate:

Legal First Name format:
“LegalLastName, LegalFirstName LegalMiddleName”
Example: Smith, Mary J

Affirmed First Name format:
“LegalLastName, Affirmed First Name LegalMiddleName”
Example: Smith, MaryJane J
Example: Smith, Joe J

May I use a Affirmed middle or last name?

Can I set my Affirmed first name to whatever I want?

Students may determine and designate a Affirmed name they want to be known by. Affirmed names that contain inappropriate or offensive language, or if in the College’s judgment it is being used for misrepresentation, or if it violates Board Policies, it will be removed.

Do I have to provide and set a Affirmed first name and pronouns?

How do I correct or change my legal name for college systems?

Students who wish to change their legal name must supply supporting legal documentation, such as a court order, and complete the Name Change Form with the Admissions & Records Office. Information for changing a legal name is available through the California Courts website.

Legal Name Change Form

Can I change my SMC email address to match my Affirmed first name?

To request an email change, contact Dr. Esau Tovar at tovar_esau@smc.edu. Allow 1-3 weeks to process. You may also change your personal email address at any time on Corsair Connect. To change it:

Login to Corsair Connect
Click the "Enrollment" tab
Click the "Profile/Preferences" option on the left-side menu
Enter the new email address
Click "Submit Changes"